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The fire at Envirotyres is being left to burn itself out

People living close to a fire-hit tyre factory in County Durham have been warned the clean-up operation could result in the release of more smoke.

The fire, involving thousands of tonnes of rubber at the Littleburn Industrial Estate, Langley Moor, was brought under control on 21 April.

It has been left to burn out in the hope this will release less smoke into the environment than using water.

The council has said the clean-up operation is due to start this week.

The situation, at Envirotyres, near Langley Moor, is being managed by the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham County Council, the Environment Agency and the Health Protection Agency.

Large amounts of smoke had been produced during the earlier stages of the fire, and leaflets were sent out warning residents and local people to take precautions.

It is hoped the clean-up operation will help to put the fire out.

A council spokesperson said: "We want to reassure local residents and businesses that if they do see smoke coming from the site that there is no cause for alarm as it will be a direct result of the clean-up work."